MATTHEW ALBERT

Graduate Student - albert77 at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by David Hibbitts)

B. S. (2025) University of Maine, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in the fall of 2025. My research will focus on inducing confinement effects with zeolite catalysts for the alkylation of aromatics for value-added product conversion. I earned my B.S. In Chemical Engineering from the University of Maine in May of 2025. There, I completed an Independent Study under the guidance of Dr. G. Peter van Walsum in investigating the production of chitosan-based films as a sustainable packaging alternative. I've also completed multiple internships in the paper industry, working as a process engineer for both pulping and paper production processes. Having grown up in the State of Maine, I've always had an appreciation for the outdoors and for deriving everyday commodities from natural resources - the latter of which piqued my interest in the field of catalysis. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing acoustic guitar, playing soccer and hockey, and hiking.

BEREKET BEKELE

Graduate Student - bbekele at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2020) Northern Kentucky University, Chemistry

My research focuses on studying the effects of acid site proximity in zeolite catalysis. My past research experience includes my internship at Eccrine Systems, Inc. where I worked with a diverse group of scientists and engineers to design an aptamer-based medical monitoring device that senses drug metabolites in sweat. Additionally, during my time at NKU, I worked on a molecular biochemistry research project focused on the identification and characterization of post-transcriptional tRNA modification proteins found in higher eukaryotes. My other interests include playing/watching soccer, weightlifting, and participating in cultural organizations.

BOEN (BONN) CAO

Graduate Student - cao353 at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by Fabio Ribeiro and Enrique Iglesia)

B. S. (2019) University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Chemistry
B. E. (2020) University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Chemical Engineering

My research focuses on converting renewable biomass-derived molecules to transportation fuels. I received my degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering in University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.  During my undergraduate studies, I spent one summer with Dr. Jane Wissinger researching and designing a green micro-emulsion copolymerization reaction for college education. Then, I spent one year working under Dr. Xiang Cheng to investigate the dynamics, trends, and similarities between explosion-driven cratering and impact-driven cratering in granular substances. My interest, however, shifted to catalysis in my senior year after learning reaction engineering. Combining my new interests and my eagerness to help the environment, I joined Gounder group in spring 2021 after coming to Purdue. Aside from academics, I enjoy board games, badminton, playing video games, and travelling.

ORLANDO CARRILLO-CEJA

Graduate Student - ocarrill at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by Enrique Iglesia)

B. S. (2021) University of Nevada Reno, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in the fall of 2025. I am co-advised by Prof. Enrique Iglesia and my research is focused on the synthesis of metal-zeolite catalysts for alkane hydroisomerization. I obtained my bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2021 where I studied the photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide under Dr. Subramanian. After graduating, I worked as an engineer in the R&D department of Entegris. My research at Entegris primarily focused on the synthesis and characterization of advanced carbon materials and ceramics. Aside from research, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and hiking with my dog.

WEI-TING CHUNG

Graduate Student - chung380 at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2023) National Taiwan University Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in the Fall of 2024, and my research focuses on the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides using copper zeolite. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from National Taiwan University (NTU). During my time at NTU, I discovered my enthusiasm for catalytic kinetics by working in the nanoporous materials lab led by Dr. Kevin C.-W. Wu, focusing on upgrading plastic waste to hydrogen using self-decoking MOF catalysts. After graduating from NTU, I worked as a research assistant, collaborating with Dr. Huang-Kai Gao on nanobiomaterial research for keloid and proliferative scar therapy. Outside of research, I enjoy swimming, have a passion for architecture, and am a railway enthusiast!

TANIA CLASS-MARTÍNEZ

Graduate Student - tclassma at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2020) University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in the Fall of 2020. My research is focused on the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides for emissions control. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. I discovered my passion for research during an internship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I worked at Dr. Pfleger’s group studying the glucose production of genetically modified Cyanobacteria. Also, I spend a summer at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Dr. Tang’s group studying the transformation of organic molecules found in soil using manganese oxide minerals. My interest in catalysis started after working with Dr. Dumesic at UW where I studied catalyst stability for the production of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfuraldehyde, and with Dr. Pagán-Torres at UPRM, where I studied the effect of catalysts with bimetallic functionalization for the production of succinic acid. In addition to research experiences, I interned at Eli Lilly and Eastman Chemical Company. My hobbies include cooking, playing volleyball, and dancing.

BRYAN CRUZ DELGADO

Graduate Student - bcruzdel at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2022) University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder Group in the Fall of 2022. My research will focus on the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides. I obtained my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM). During my time at Mayagüez, I acquired research experience working with Dr. Suleiman studying noble polymer nanocomposite proton exchange membranes for fuel cells applications. Additionally, I participated in the Virtual REU program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison as part of Dr. Morgan’s group optimizing a machine learning model to predict the superconducting critical temperature of certain alloys. Besides research, I enjoy anything basketball related, listening to music, and amusement parks.

AINSLEE FOGLEMAN

Graduate Student - afoglema at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by David Hibbitts)

B. S. (2025) University of Utah, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder Group in Fall 2025 and am co-advised by Dr. David Hibbitts. My research will focus on alkanes-to-aromatics chemistry on metal zeolites. My interest in catalysis began during my reaction engineering course at the University of Utah, which led me to join Professor Michael Nigra’s lab. There, I studied metal-oxide single-site catalysts for methanol steam reforming and ammonia decomposition. For my senior capstone project, I developed a chemiluminescent photocatalyst for methylene blue degradation. Outside of research, I enjoy painting, baking, and listening to music. 

GARRETT GREGORY

Graduate Student - grego131 at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2025) Johns Hopkins University, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in the Fall of 2025, and I will be studying the conversion of alkanes to aromatics in metal/acid-bifunctional zeolites. I began my research career in my sophomore year of undergrad, where I conducted Monte Carlo calculations to study the adsorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl species in Zr metal-organic frameworks, under the guidance of Prof. Brandon Buukowski. Upon concluding this study, I spent the rest of my undergraduate career modeling ligand functionalization to improve adsorption performance, and I used molecular dynamics and meta dynamics calculations to study ligand behavior. In my free time I love doing anything outdoors related, whether it be climbing, backpacking, or caving. I also love to cook, play guitar, and spend time with my two cats. 

SARAH GUSTAFSON WAGERS

Graduate Student - gustaf14 at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2022) University of South Carolina, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in the fall of 2022. My research involves controlling acid site distributions within zeolite catalysts and investigating their role on acid-catalyzed reactions. As a chemical engineering undergraduate at the University of South Carolina, I first started research on molten salts and their usage in the nuclear industry. Afterwards, I was able to spend a summer interning with Dr. Ritter’s research group at the same university, doing extensive research on adsorption processes and catalyst characterization. It was with this same group that I worked on further developing a COMSOL program that would accurately model adsorption in a specifically designed fixed bed reactor. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, playing piano, and various sports.   

JOSEPH (MANI) HARRAH

Graduate Student - jharrah at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by David Hibbitts)

B. S. (2025) West Virginia University, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in Fall 2025. My research focuses on studying solvent effects in porous environments on catalytic reactions. I earned my bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from West Virginia University in 2025. There, I worked in Dr. Madelyn Ball's lab characterizing nickel catalysts for carbon dioxide methanation. I also spent a summer working under Dr. Kevin Leonard at the University of Kansas, synthesizing palladium iridium catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells. Outside of research, I enjoy exploring nature, game nights with friends, and occasionally indulging in a two-week Minecraft playthrough.

REAGAN HUCKABEE

Graduate Student - rhuckabe at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2024) Texas Tech University, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder Group in the fall of 2024. My research will focus on manipulating active site distributions in zeolites to control hydrocarbon catalysis. I earned my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University (TTU) in the spring of 2024. My research career began at TTU, working with Dr. Joe Gauthier in his computational catalysis group. During this time, I studied the contribution of quantum tunneling in adiabatic coupled proton-electron transfer (CPET) reactions occurring at the electrified double layer. Following the conclusion of that project, I completed an REU through the Center for Advancing Sustainable and Distributed Fertilizer Production (CASFER) working in the same group. During this REU, I used density functional theory (DFT) to investigate bond cleavage of glycine on transition metal surfaces. These experiences stimulated my interest in catalysis and a desire for a career in sustainability. Apart from academics, I enjoy playing guitar, playing video games, and listening to heavy metal.

NISHANT KAHANE

Graduate Student - nkahane at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by Enrique Iglesia)

B. Chem. Engg. (2024) Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai

I joined the Gounder group in the Fall of 2024. I am co-advised by Prof. Enrique Iglesia and my research will be focused on the effects of diffusion and site proximity on the reactions of hydrocarbon metal-zeolite bifunctional catalysts. I obtained my bachelor's degree from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT, Mumbai). During my bachelor's thesis, I worked on designing a plant to manufacture diisopropylamine. I interned at Reliance Industries Ltd Jamnagar refinery in the summer of 2023, where I developed and implemented a strategy for heat exchanger network optimization of a large refinery complex. In my free time, I enjoy watching/playing cricket, cooking, and traveling.

LAUREN KILBURN

Graduate Student - lkilburn at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2021) University of Florida, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder Group in the fall of 2021, and I am researching metal zeolites for partial methane oxidation. My first research experience was with Prof. David Hibbitts at the University of Florida, where I studied reactions and adsorbates relevant for methanol-to-olefins processes using density functional theory. I also participated in the CISTAR REU program at Purdue in the summer of 2020. During the REU, I worked with Prof. Gounder investigating the effect of paired acid sites on propene oligomerization reactions in zeolites. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, cooking, and photography.

CALEB LAVALLEE

Graduate Student - clavalle at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by Enrique Iglesia)

B.S. (2024) University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in Fall 2024. My research will focus on hydrogen management using bimetallic catalysts for the production of liquid organic hydrogen carriers. The major start to my research journey was within the lab of Dr. Aditya Bhan at the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities with whom I conducted three years of research. My introductory research project at Minnesota was the synthesis and assessment of Ni and Co metal-organic framework (MOF) catalysts for olefin oligomerization. During my senior year, my research involved the catalytic testing and analysis of Ru/In/Zr catalysts for the purpose of methanol and ethanol production. Also, I spent a summer at the University of Delaware participating in their 2023 REU program. While there I participated in research on the peptide P622-N-Cys and its functionality within a microfluidic device. Apart from my academics, I am an avid music listener, enjoy collecting vinyl records, and like to bike/play basketball.

CHASE MCGEE

Graduate Student - mcgee120 at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by Enrique Iglesia)

B.S.E. (2024) University of Connecticut, Chemical Engineering
B.S. (2024) University of Connecticut, Mathematics

I joined the Gounder group in Fall 2025. My research will focus on utilizing catalysis to convert renewable feedstocks into chemicals. I became deeply interested in catalysis after participating in a summer REU program at the University of Alabama, where I researched the conversion of ethanol to olefins using zeolites under Dr. James Harris. Then, I spent two years at the University of Connecticut researching the pyrolysis of lignin in Dr. Julia Valla’s group. Also, I spent the year before I came to Purdue working as an Environment, Health, and Safety Engineer at Loureiro Engineering Associates. Outside of my studies, I enjoy weightlifting, music, and puzzles.

ANDREW NORFLEET

Graduate Student - anorfle at purdue dot edu

B.S. (2022) Michigan State University, Chemical Engineering
B.S. (2022) Michigan State University, Chemistry

I joined the Gounder group in Fall 2022. My research will focus on controlling acid site distributions within zeolite catalysts and investigating their role on acid-catalyzed reactions. I earned my bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering and chemistry at Michigan State University. While completing my undergraduate work, I conducted research with Dr. Carl Lira’s group on the thermodynamic modeling of hydrogen bonding systems through spectroscopic investigation and the determination of the physical properties of deuterated compounds. My interest in catalysis stems from independent research through the MSU Honors College on esterification kinetics over heterogeneous catalysts from a reaction engineering and analytical chemistry perspective. Outside of academics, I am an avid outdoorsman and enjoy water sports and playing guitar.

CLAYTON PENTTILA

Graduate Student - cpentill at purdue dot edu

B.S. (2025) Texas Tech University, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in the fall of 2025. My research will focus on zeolite acid catalysis including alkene oligomerization to liquid fuels. I earned my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University in the spring of 2025. In that time, I was advised by Dr. Jeremy Marston for two years to work on needle-free jet injector technology, mimicking intra-arterial injections using hydrogels and human skin. I was also advised by Dr. Wenshuo Hu at TTU for a year to learn more about vanadia supported titanium oxide for ammonia SCR which catalyzed my interest in catalysis research. Apart from academia, I love video games and enjoy hiking, skiing, and fishing.

JUSTIN ROSA ROJAS

Graduate Student - jrosaroj at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by Fabio Ribeiro)

B. S. (2021) University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder Group in the fall of 2021. My project is on non-oxidative conversion of methane on carbon-based catalysts. As an undergrad at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, I gained research experience working in the synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for removing bacteria from water under Prof. Oscar Perales-Pérez. Additionally, I researched in Prof. Yomaira Pagán-Torres’s group on the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol over transition metal catalysts. I also worked on solid-state synthesis of lacunar spinel chalcogenides in the Poeppelmeier Group at Northwestern University and participated in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Virtual REU program. Aside from research, I worked at Eli Lilly as an industrial hygiene intern. I like to listen to music, go outside for a run or walk, watch anime, and play video games.

DIAMARYS SALOME RIVERA

Graduate Student - dsalomer at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2021) University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in the Fall of 2021. My research is on olefin oligomerization on Brønsted acidic zeolites. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM). As part of my undergraduate research, I worked with the Applied Optimization Group at UPRM for two years. This research focused on the simultaneous study of Herpes simplex and the neurodegenerative disorders of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease using publicly available microarray experiments. In addition, I spent one summer in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue under the supervision of Dr. Elsje Piennar. The project focused on drug resistance in tuberculosis granulomas. My strong interest for catalysis research started at UPRM with Dr. Pagán-Torres group. In this laboratory, I was involved in developing heterogeneous catalytic materials to convert biomass-derived resources and carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals. Aside from research, I enjoy playing basketball, dancing salsa and hip hop, and watching series.

ÁNGEL SANTIAGO-COLÓN

Graduate Student - santia28 at purdue dot edu

B. S. (2020) University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Chemical Engineering

NSF Graduate Research Fellow

I joined the Gounder group in fall 2020. As part of the CISTAR project, my research is on the design of stable and selective metal-zeolites for methane conversion. I obtained my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. My research career started at UPRM, in the pharmaceutical research field, with Dr. Carlos Velázquez. My interest in catalysis was developed while working with Dr. Nelson Cardona-Martínez at UPRM, studying the kinetics of levoglucosan (LGA) dehydration to levoglucosenone (LGO). Also, I worked in Dr. George Huber's research group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, exploring the stereoselectivity of the hydrogenation of bio-renewable Cyrene. In addition to my research experiences, I worked at Eli Lilly and ExxonMobil as an engineering intern. Aside from research, I enjoy playing guitar, watching movies, and playing sports.

RYOH-SUKE SEKIYA

Graduate Student - rsekiya at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by Enrique Iglesia)

B. S. (2022) Georgia Institute of Technology, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in the fall of 2022. The goal of my project is to research the fundamentals and applications of metal/zeolite bifunctional and cascade catalysts. During my undergraduate career, I conducted research under Prof. Chris Jones, with whom I studied bifunctional acid/base cooperative catalysts for aldol condensation as well as confined polymer dynamics in carbon capture sorbents. I also did an REU project with Prof. David Hibbitts at the University of Florida, where I studied methanol cluster adsorption on small pore zeolites. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking, reading, walking, and trying new foods.

SOONHYOUNG KWON

Postdoctoral Researcher - kwon290 at purdue dot edu

Ph.D. (2023) MIT, Chemical Engineering
M.S. CEP (2019) MIT, Chemical Engineering
B.S. (2017) Seoul National University, Chemical and Biological Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in October 2023. My research focuses on the precise control of desired zeolite synthesis across various phases, aiming for its commercialization. I earned my Ph.D. degree at MIT under the guidance of Prof. Yuriy Roman. During this time, I honed my skills in zeolite synthesis, utilizing structure-directing agents (SDAs) with optimal templating energy, as determined through computational analysis, with a bespoke high-throughput reactor. This expertise enabled me to refine the zeolite crystallization process, deepening my understanding of its intricate mechanisms. Consequently, I’ve tailored the physicochemical properties of catalysts suitable for a variety of reactions, including methane partial oxidation and the methanol-to-olefin process. Aside from research, I enjoy playing tennis, cooking, and trying new foods.

EDGARD A. LEBRÓN-RODRÍGUEZ

Postdoctoral Researcher - elebronr at purdue dot edu

Ph.D. (2025) University of Wisconsin, Chemical Engineering
B.S. (2019) University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in July 2025 as a postdoctoral researcher. My research focuses on understanding hydrocarbon and oxygenated molecule conversion pathways over zeolitic materials. I earned my Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin–Madison under the guidance of Prof. Ive Hermans. During my time in Madison, I honed my skills in developing structure–performance relationships using Brønsted and Lewis acidic zeolites with varying site distributions, employing base titration strategies and model reactions. Insights I developed in the characterization and quantification of water-sensitive, partially hydrolyzed, and extraframework sites in zeolites enabled the design of synthetic strategies for materials containing partially hydrolyzed M–OH groups in proximity to framework SiOHAl sites. These configurations tune hydrocarbon product distributions via transition-state stabilization, amongst other effects. Custom materials featuring M–OH groups near SiOHAl sites were applied in contemporary catalytic challenges, such as the upcycling of plastic waste-derived oil using model compounds. Outside of research, I enjoy going to the gym, playing basketball, taking walks, and spending time with friends and family.

ALEXANDER MINNE

Postdoctoral Researcher - apminne at purdue dot edu
(Co-advised by Enrique Iglesia)

Ph.D. (2025) University of Alabama, Chemical Engineering
M.S. (2024) University of Alabama, Chemical Engineering
B.S. (2015) University of Alabama, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Gounder group in July 2025. My research focuses on measuring reaction kinetics and using infrared spectroscopy to identify surface species during the dehydrogenation of liquid organic hydrogen carriers and the conversion of biomass feedstocks. I earned my PhD in chemical engineering from The University of Alabama under the supervision of Dr. James Harris. My doctoral work involved measuring the kinetics of selective oxidation reactions on mono- and bimetallic transition metal catalysts using continuous flow reactors and developing methods to quantify active sites. During this time, I investigated bimetallic alloy catalysts for the oxidative coupling of methanol and dimethylamine, the effects of alkali promotion on selective alcohol oxidation, and the benefits of confining palladium nanoparticles within small-pore zeolite frameworks for methane oxychlorination. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing pickleball, golf, and tackling DIY projects.

ANNA CHAMBERS

Undergraduate Student - chamb157 at purdue dot edu

Purdue University, Chemical Engineering, (B. S. (2028), expected)

I joined the Gounder group in the fall of 2025. I am a sophomore here at Purdue studying Chemical Engineering, with hopes to get a minor in Nuclear Engineering and/or Mathematics. I am from Indianapolis, Indiana. As for my undergraduate studies and future career, I hope to use my skillset and knowledge to discover new technology to help the environment and future generations. Aside from my studies, I am an avid reader, traveler, and runner.

SARAH MOLLAN

Undergraduate Student - smollan at purdue dot edu

Purdue University, Chemical Engineering, (B. S. (2027), expected)

I joined the Gounder Research group in the spring of 2025. My research project involves synthesizing zeolite catalysts with tailored atomic and bulk properties. Outside of school, I enjoy attending Purdue sporting events and spending time with friends.

EMERSON WALTZ

Undergraduate Student - waltze at purdue dot edu

Purdue University, Chemical Engineering, (B. S. (2029), expected)

I joined the Gounder group in the fall of 2025. I am from Algona, Iowa, and I am a freshman at Purdue studying Chemical Engineering. My research project involves studying how to modify and stabilize active sites in zeolite catalysts. In the future, I hope to develop new sustainable fuels. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, traveling, and listening to music.